A Kenyan-American in the US: Recent Episodes
Grace Kisirkoi
- Our show is a fun platform to explore the cultural gaps in knowledge of 'aliens' in a new country. Within all that, we keep it real, we talk about personal finances, family formation, our careers and personal goals. We love hearing from listeners, so please email us at grace.kisirkoi@moneysmartphd.com for a chance to feature your experiences on our show. - Catch us on https://linktr.ee/Grace.Kisirkoi - Follow Grace on Instagram @gracekisirkoi - Check out our blog at gracekisirkoi.weebly.com - Personal finances and navigating higher education - moneysmartphd.com
In this episode I recount how I discovered I was in a cult--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gracekisirkoi/message
This is the background leading up to discovering I was in a cult, explaining growing up in it, and how it influenced career and social life.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gracekisirkoi/message
In this episode I am coming back after a 2 year long hiatus. I explain why, including that I discovered I grew up in a fundamentalist dooms day cult.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gracekisirkoi/message
In this video I discuss three opinions about culture image. Specifically, how we show up with our ethnic hair in public and whether that should impact societal perspectives. This was inspired by discussions on the CULTish podcast that discusses important topics within African American culture. YouTube video podcast https://youtu.be/menFeKMXMxM The CULTish podcast https://www.audible.com/pd/CULTish-Podcast/B08JJP7VTS Mo'nique's Instagram post regarding bonnets/pajamas in public https://www.instagram.com/tv/CPdqpiSh-TZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=462ab645-25af-46fb-8633-718aed82339e--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gracekisirkoi/message
In this episode I give some updates to catch up after a hiatus. We also found out in the second trimester that I'm pregnant! There's been international and local travels, a new cat, and development updated on my 2 year old son. Here's a video from my mom life channel detailing the discovery of my surprise pregnancy https://youtu.be/HBD2ZlqUx_E Also since I vlogged my travels to Kenya, here's a video detailing my experiences and observations, it's on my main YouTube channel https://youtu.be/vfAB7qXimds--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gracekisirkoi/message
You Can Watch the Episode HereIn this episode, we meet Tek and his daughter, Shewit. Tek recounts his precarious experiences of living through and escaping a war torn country and becoming a self-made engineer in the US. His daughter, Shewit also adds a refreshingly new perspective as she is an American born to her Eritrean dad who has had quite different upbringings and life experiences that shaped their paths.
You can watch this episode herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtGn-1qc0g8&t=955s
In this episode, we reflect on recent events and throwback to similarities of a ‘coup’ and post poll unrest back in Kenya.
Intercultural Couple Reacts to Capitol Building Protest
In this video, we expose our intercultural views on the capitol building protest that ensued following the 2020 US elections. We draw similarities to certain post election or "post poll" violence events that occurred in Kenya back in December 2007 and early 2008.
President elect Joe Biden (being inaugurated today 1/20/2021) won the majority and electoral vote in 2020 and this was not well received by supporters of the outgoing President Trump. This led to the recent capitol building storming that occurred in Washington. It felt like deja vu for me, a person who experienced post poll chaos back in late 2007, early 2008 after elections in Kenya. We discuss similarities and include a storytime retelling of living through these experiences as a young person focused on launching my career.
Steve hosts this episode and brings out my answers why I have a hard time camping in USA even though I used to the countryside life typical of the African jungle away from the big cities like Nairobi.
In this episode, I give my experiences of shocking cultural experiences I experiences and adjusted to since coming to the US 8 years ago. I’d love to hear from listeners about their culture shock experiences. You can also watch this episode as a YouTube video at this link https://youtu.be/dqvIRXT6b5Y I’d love to hear your cultural shock experiences in the comment section of this video! Let me know you’re a podcast listener when you comment :)
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Part 2 of series on American cultural analogs to various Kenyan tribes. We make a Halloween spin on the episode with conspiracy theories and some superstitions in both cultures.
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We map the eccentricities if Kenya’s 42 tribes to the US regions.
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In today’s episode (and YouTube Video), I answer a popular question about what my PhD topic was centered around. I had so much fun revisiting this!
YouTube - https://youtu.be/QnGyfJF4JYw
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Today is roughly my 8th year in the usa and I reflect on recent experiences that have turned me down the rabbit 🐇 hole of catology 🐱, pets, and generally now realizing how much there are big parallel worlds around us. Cue the #fomo...what else is out there that I’m missing out on?!
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I had fun recapping my top tips for successfully applying for free money for your business, aka grants! This episode was inspired by the work I’ve been doing while MIA (missed posting an episode last week 🤭).
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In today’s episode, Steve does the hosting and takes a fun look on questions each of us never thought we would have to answer.
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In this episode, Grace shares some thoughts about the “babies are too expensive, let’s just put it off indefinitely” point of view. She shares some tips that hopefully convince listeners in a similar boat that babies don’t have to break the bank! Let’s on Instagram @gracekisirkoi or email at grace.kisirkoi@moneysmartphd.com. Read more on this discussion here https://link.medium.com/qzmnM2zvO8
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Steve thought of a topic he wanted to quiz me about at the end of the day - the diverse perspectives of aging in US vs Kenya.
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Today’s show will be highlighting the key factors to consider when selecting a PhD program. It’s a lot of the tips I would tell my younger self. While I wouldn’t necessarily change my choices, knowing these tips off the bat would really have helped me avoid stumbling around or experiencing anxiety from being so uncertain about my choices. These tips are designed to help those who are in this stage of their careers to have the audacity to take intentional and directional charge of their professional journey, and to master their own PhD experience.
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This is a bonus segment of the last episode with Lizzie Brayton, founder of Living Your Best Vibe. I wanted the meditation to have a standalone episode so that listeners can come back to it whenever they want a moment to slow down, relax, and breathe. For more meditations to untangle your thoughts, inspire your steps, and raise your vibe, go to Lizzie's hub at https://www.livingyourbestvibe.com/. She generously shares more meditations in her Living Your Best Vibe podcast that you can find on iTunes, Apple, & Stitcher.
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Today, we will be switching up the podcast and welcoming our first official guest, the amazing Lizzie Brayton! She has a passion for self-reflection, personal development, and sharing stories that resonate to help anxious people raise their vibe. Just in April 2020, Lizzie launched The Living Your Best Vibe Podcast on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher Apps. I love her ecosystem of edifying and uplifting activities, meditations and inspiring quotes. Lizzie is focused on untangling your mind, inspiring your steps, and raising your vibe. Today we have the rare honor of tapping into Lizzie’s infectious positive energy, and her unique cultural perspectives. What’s more? We will cap today’s episode with a peaceful meditation session by Lizzie. Lizzie’s home on the socials is her Living Your Best Vibe Podcast on iTunes, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher, Instagram @livingyourbestvibe, Blog Site at www.livingyourbestvibe.com, and her Living Your Best Vibe Facebook Page. Subscribe to Lizzie’s Tribe to continue the conversations with her.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
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In today’s episode, Grace answers an anonymous listener’s question. The listener states that since coming to the US 10 years back, they have not been able to pursue their career paths as intended. This is because they had to take a stopgap job to pay bills. They want some tips on how to get back on track.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
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Today, Steve surprises Grace with questions about how she resolves conflict. He goes there as explores cultural differences in conflict resolution. Email us with any comments or questions at grace.kisirkoi@moneysmartphd.com
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Welcome again listeners! In this episode, I have a great time tying some concepts together from a theme questions from my blog and podcast listeners. During the uncertain times that we see ourselves in this year, many are concerned about their visa, job security, and balancing their professions in a way that leverages their skills maximally. Today’s episode will provide some tips from my perspectives that I’ve gathered during my journey. I’d love to hear from listeners and answer more questions in future. Email us at grace. kisirkoi@moneysmartphd.com
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Join in as Grace springs some surprise parenting questions on Steve!
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In this episode, we talk about the holidays from a cultural standpoint. Steve provides the American perspective and Grace provides her Kenyan viewpoint. Grace has some surprising knowledge gaps about the holidays and USA geography during this episode!
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In this episode, Grace discusses her evolution as a 'global citizen', as she gets acclimated and integrated in the US culture and contrasts that experience with her Kenyan foundation. We love hearing from our listeners - email us at grace.kisirkoi@moneysmartphd.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
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In this episode, we highlight diverse challenges faced by intercultural parents. We also provide tips to help us come out ahead. Our families can come out of this pandemic stronger, our kids more enlightened, and our perspectives much more informed. We love hearing from listeners, whether you just want to talk about your challenges, or share your winning tips, we'd love to hear from you at grace.kisirkoi@moneysmartphd.com
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In this episode, Grace walks us through some considerations to keep in mind in case of a job loss. With the spread of COVID-19, local businesses are trying to stay afloat, which means layoffs in some cases. This episode gives some pointers to help with the next steps...
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In this episode, Grace explores money perspectives from different cultures. She explore this in the context of recessions, how to weather an economic downturn, and how to align personal finances with our values. Join us and enjoy!
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In today's episode, Steve joins us to provide context on body image discussions. We go into his experiences in school sports, and effects on his identity. Would he recommend that for his kids? Listen and let us know what you think at grace.kisirkoi@moneysmartphd.com
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In this episode we contrast experiences of body image while living in Kenya vs in the United States. We also continue previous discussions about folk stories, and tribal creation stories. Share your perspectives and comments with me on grace.kisirkoi@moneysmartphd.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
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In today's episode, my husband and I talk about our experiences of being foreign. He was a foreigner visiting Kenya, and I was a foreigner visiting the usa. Join us and share in our thoughts! As a Kenyan American, these two worlds fascinate me now. We'd love to hear from you about experiences you want to share - email the show at grace.kisirkoi@moneysmartphd.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
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In this episode, I go over some stories & songs from the American culture and the Kenyan culture that my husband and I find odd. You'll find major gaps in cultural knowledge!. (Depending on who's the foreign one). Email us some funny stories from your cultural exposure at grace.kisirkoi@moneysmartphd.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gracekisirkoi/message